Micro-fluidic chip, intelligent particle sorting system and equipment

Abstract

The invention provides a micro-fluidic chip and an intelligent particle sorting system and equipment. The micro-fluidic chip comprises a channel layer and a substrate layer which are arranged from top to bottom, the channel layer comprises an inlet flow channel, a shunting flow channel, a sorting flow channel, an outlet flow channel and an electrode flow channel; one end of the inlet runner is connected with the sample inlet and the sheath fluid inlet, and the other end of the inlet runner is connected with the shunt runner; a sample and sheath fluid flow through the inlet flow channel, flow into the shunting flow channel and then flow through the sorting channel for sample particle sorting, and the sorted sample particles flow out through the outlet flow channel; the electrode flow channel enables the side wall of the sorting flow channel to form a side wall electrode, and the side wall electrode enables the sample to deflect due to dielectrophoretic force when flowing through the sorting channel so as to sort sample particles. According to the invention, the particles can be sorted efficiently and intelligently in a high-throughput manner.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present application relates to the field of biomedical technology, in particular to a microfluidic chip, a particle sorting intelligent system and equipment. BACKGROUND

[0002] Particle sorting is a key technology for separating, purifying and enriching cells, microorganisms or microparticles in mixed samples based on physical or biochemical characteristics such as size, shape, density, surface antigen, etc. It is widely used in biomedical research, clinical diagnosis and drug development. Traditional sorting methods such as centrifugation, filtration, etc. separate according to macroscopic properties. Modern technology exists to use microfluidic chips to realize particle sorting. Among them, microfluidic chip is a technology platform for precisely manipulating micro-volume (nanoliter to picoliter) fluid in micron-scale channel network. Microfluidic chip is an ideal tool for realizing the frontier application of particle sorting, which can greatly promote the miniaturization and integration development of biological research and medical technology. Therefore, how to use microfluidic chip to realize efficient, high-throughput and intelligent particle sorting is a technical problem to be solved by those skilled in the art. SUMMARY

[0003] The present application provides a microfluidic chip, a particle sorting intelligent system and equipment, which solves the technical problem of how to use microfluidic chip to realize efficient, high-throughput and intelligent particle sorting.

[0004] The first aspect of the present application provides a microfluidic chip, comprising a channel layer and a substrate layer arranged from top to bottom;

[0005] The channel layer comprises an inlet flow channel, a shunt flow channel, a sorting flow channel, an outlet flow channel and an electrode flow channel;

[0006] One end of the inlet flow channel is connected with a sample inlet and a sheath liquid inlet, and the other end is connected with the shunt flow channel; the sample and the sheath liquid flow through the inlet flow channel and then flow into the shunt flow channel, and then flow through the sorting channel for sample particle sorting, and the sorted sample particles flow out through the outlet flow channel;

[0007] The electrode flow channel forms a side wall electrode on the side wall of the sorting flow channel, and the side wall electrode deflects the sample flowing through the sorting channel by dielectrophoresis force to perform sample particle sorting.

[0008] In some implementations of the first aspect, one end of the electrode flow channel is connected with a liquid metal flow inlet, and the other end is connected with a liquid metal flow outlet; a capillary valve is arranged in the electrode flow channel; the liquid metal flows into the electrode flow channel from the liquid metal flow inlet, flows along a preset path in the electrode flow channel under the control of the capillary valve, and fills the side wall of the sorting flow channel to form the side wall electrode.

[0009] In some implementations of the first aspect, the flow splitting channel is provided with a flow splitting zone, the flow splitting zone is provided with a first flow splitting micro-column and a second flow splitting micro-column, the first flow splitting micro-column and the second flow splitting micro-column have different inner diameters, and the sample is initially split by the first flow splitting micro-column and the second flow splitting micro-column.

[0010] In some implementations of the first aspect, the sorting channel includes a plurality of parallel sorting sub-channels, and the electrode channel forms the side wall electrode with the side wall of each sorting sub-channel.

[0011] The second aspect of the present application provides a particle sorting intelligent system, which is applied to the microfluidic chip of the first aspect, and includes a sensor, a micro-control unit, a micro-flow pump controller, and a signal generator.

[0012] The sensor is arranged on the microfluidic chip, and is configured to monitor the microfluidic chip in real time and feed back monitoring data to the micro-control unit.

[0013] The micro-control unit is configured to generate a control signal based on the monitoring data, so as to control the particle sorting parameter to adjust to a target parameter range through the control signal.

[0014] The micro-flow pump controller is configured to control the rate of the sample and the sheath liquid flowing into the microfluidic chip.

[0015] The signal generator is configured to generate an electric field signal to drive the side wall electrode of the microfluidic chip, so that the microfluidic chip performs particle sorting on the sample.

[0016] In some implementations of the second aspect, the sensor includes a flow rate sensor, a particle concentration sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0017] The flow rate sensor is configured to monitor the rate of the sample and the sheath liquid flowing into the microfluidic chip, and feed back the monitoring rate to the micro-control unit.

[0018] The particle concentration sensor is configured to monitor the particle concentration in the sample, and feed back the monitoring concentration to the micro-control unit.

[0019] The temperature sensor is configured to monitor the working temperature of the microfluidic chip, and feed back the monitoring temperature to the micro-control unit.

[0020] In some implementations of the second aspect, the micro-control unit generates a rate control signal based on the monitoring rate, so as to control the micro-flow pump controller to adjust the rate of the sample and the sheath liquid flowing into the microfluidic chip through the rate control signal, so that the rate is adjusted to a target rate range.

[0021] The micro control unit generates an electric field control signal based on the monitored concentration, so as to control the electric field signal amplitude and the electric field signal frequency generated by the signal generator through the electric field control signal, so that the electric field signal amplitude and the electric field signal frequency are adjusted to be within the target amplitude range and the target frequency range.

[0022] The micro control unit generates a temperature control signal based on the monitored temperature, so as to control an external temperature adjusting device through the temperature control signal, so that the working temperature of the micro fluidic chip is adjusted to be within the target temperature range.

[0023] In some implementations of the second aspect, the system further comprises a power amplifier; the power amplifier is configured to amplify the electric field signal.

[0024] In some implementations of the second aspect, the system further comprises a user interaction interface; the user interaction interface is configured to receive the target parameter range input by a user and feed back to the micro control system, so that the micro control unit controls the particle sorting parameter to be adjusted to be within the target parameter range; and the user interaction interface is configured to display the particle sorting parameter in real time.

[0025] The third aspect of the present application provides a particle sorting intelligent device, comprising: one or more sensors configured to monitor a micro fluidic chip in real time; a micro fluid pump controller configured to control the rate of sample and sheath liquid flowing into the micro fluidic chip; a signal generator configured to generate an electric field signal to drive a side wall electrode of the micro fluidic chip; one or more processors; and one or more memories, wherein the memory stores computer readable code which, when executed by the one or more processors, implements the functions of the particle sorting intelligent system according to any one of claims 5 to 9.

[0026] As described above, the present application provides a micro fluidic chip, a particle sorting intelligent system and device, which has the following beneficial effects:

[0027] 1. The micro fluidic chip provided by the present application can realize high-throughput parallel processing, significantly improve the sample throughput, and meet the demand of high-throughput analysis.

[0028] 2. The micro fluidic chip provided by the present application realizes high-precision separation of various microorganisms through the matching design of micro channels and liquid metal electrodes combined with the asymmetric electrode setting.

[0029] 3. The micro fluidic chip provided by the present application realizes simple and rapid filling and self-assembly of the liquid metal electrode by means of the passive control ability of the capillary valve, and simplifies the electrode preparation.

[0030] 4. The microfluidic chip provided by the present application sets a split flow channel with different micro columns, which can preliminarily split and focus the sample, further improving the separation efficiency and precision.

[0031] 5. The particle sorting intelligent system provided by the present application integrates intelligent control and feedback system, realizes real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of the separation process, improves the separation efficiency and stability, and realizes intelligent sorting control.

[0032] 6. The particle sorting intelligent system provided by the present application designs a friendly graphical user interface (GUI), supports remote monitoring, is convenient for operation and management, and has user friendliness. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0033] Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the microfluidic chip in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0034] Figure 2 The structure schematic diagram of the particle sorting intelligent system in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0035] Figure 3 The structure schematic diagram of the particle sorting intelligent system in another embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0036] Figure 4 The structure schematic diagram of the particle sorting intelligent device in an embodiment of the present application is shown.

[0037] ELEMENT NUMBER EXPLANATION

[0038] 1 microfluidic chip

[0039] 11 channel layer

[0040] 111 inlet flow channel

[0041] 1111 sample inlet 1111

[0042] 1112 buffer solution inlet 1112

[0043] 112 split flow channel

[0044] 1121 split zone 1121

[0045] 113 sorting flow channel

[0046] 114 outlet flow channel

[0047] 115 electrode flow channel

[0048] 1151 liquid metal flow inlet

[0049] 1152 liquid metal flow outlet

[0050] 1153 capillary valve

[0051] 116 side wall electrode

[0052] 12 base layer

[0053] 2 particle sorting intelligent system

[0054] 21 sensor

[0055] 22 micro control unit

[0056] 23 micro flow pump controller

[0057] 24 signal generator

[0058] 25 power amplifier

[0059] 26 user interaction interface

[0060] 700 the particle sorting intelligent device

[0061] 701 processor

[0062] 702 memory

[0063] 7021 operating system

[0064] 7022 application program

[0065] 704 network interface

[0066] 705 sensor

[0067] 706 user interface

[0068] 707 micro flow pump controller

[0069] 708 signal generator DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0070] The present application is described herein with reference to specific embodiments thereof which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. These embodiments are described in detail so that this application will be thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the application to those skilled in the art. Other advantages and novel features of the application will become apparent from the following detailed description, from the novel configurations, and when the application is put into practice.

[0071] It is to be noted that the drawings provided in the following embodiments only schematically illustrate the basic concepts of the present application, and only the components related to the present application are shown in the drawings, not drawn according to the number, shape and size of the components in actual implementation, and the type, number and ratio of each component in actual implementation can be arbitrarily changed, and the component layout type can also be more complex.

[0072] In addition, the description such as "first", "second" and the like in the present application is only for the purpose of description, and cannot be understood as indicating or implying the relative importance of the indicated technical features or implicitly indicating the number of the indicated technical features. Therefore, the features defined as "first", "second" can be explicitly or implicitly included at least one of the features. In addition, the technical solutions of various embodiments can be combined with each other, but it must be based on the realization of ordinary skilled in the art, when the combination of technical solutions appears contradictory or unachievable, it should be considered that the combination of technical solutions does not exist, nor within the protection scope required by the present application.

[0073] In the field of cancer research and treatment, traditional sorting methods such as density gradient centrifugation and membrane separation have problems such as low purity, low recovery rate, and complicated operation, and the existing particle sorting technology based on microfluidic chip can only realize binary separation, which is difficult to meet the simultaneous separation demand of multiple different size and property cancer cells in complex cancer samples, and the existing technology lacks intelligent real-time monitoring and feedback control function, which is difficult to adapt to the high-throughput and high-precision separation requirements.

[0074] In order to at least solve the above technical problems, the present application provides a microfluidic chip, a particle sorting intelligent system and equipment, which can efficiently, high-throughput and intelligently sort particles.

[0075] The microfluidic chip provided by the embodiments of the present application will be further described below. Figure 1 The structure schematic diagram of the microfluidic chip provided by the embodiments of the present application is shown. As shown in Figure 1 The microfluidic chip 1 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a channel layer 11 and a substrate layer 12 arranged from top to bottom. In some embodiments, the substrate layer 12 is a quartz substrate, and a thin film made of polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) is provided on the quartz substrate. The microchannel in the thin film is placed in the corresponding position of the quartz substrate by bonding process to form the channel layer 11.

[0076] Please continue to refer to Figure 1 As shown in the figure, the channel layer 11 includes an inlet flow channel 111, a shunt flow channel 112, a sorting flow channel 113, an outlet flow channel 114 and an electrode flow channel 115;

[0077] One end of the inlet flow channel 111 is connected with the sample inlet 1111 and the sheath liquid inlet 1112, and the other end is connected with the split flow channel 112; the sample and the sheath liquid flow into the split flow channel 112 through the inlet flow channel 111, and then flow through the sorting channel 113 for sample particle sorting, and the sorted sample particles flow out through the outlet flow channel 114.

[0078] The electrode flow channel 115 forms the side wall electrode 116 on the side wall of the sorting flow channel 113, and the side wall electrode 116 deflects the sample flowing through the sorting channel 113 by dielectrophoresis force to perform sample particle sorting.

[0079] Further, please continue to refer to Figure 1 One end of the electrode flow channel 115 is connected with the liquid metal flow inlet 1151, and the other end is connected with the liquid metal flow outlet 1152; the electrode flow channel 115 is provided with a capillary valve 1153; the liquid metal flows into the electrode flow channel 115 from the liquid metal flow inlet 1151, flows in the electrode flow channel 115 along a preset path under the control of the capillary valve 1153, and fills the side wall of the sorting flow channel 113 to form the side wall electrode 116.

[0080] In some embodiments, the liquid metal alloy (Low Melting Point Alloy, LMA) is injected from the liquid metal flow inlet 1151 into the electrode flow channel 115. Under the passive control of the capillary valve 1153, the liquid metal flows in the electrode flow channel 115 along a preset path and is filled. When the liquid metal is filled to a predetermined position, it is naturally cooled to room temperature and then solidified to form the side wall electrode 116. With the passive control ability of the capillary valve 1153, the application realizes simple, rapid filling and self-assembly of the liquid metal electrode.

[0081] The split flow channel 112 is provided with a split area 1121, the split area 1121 is provided with a first split micro-column and a second split micro-column, the inner diameters of the first split micro-column and the second split micro-column are different, and the sample is subjected to initial splitting through the first split micro-column and the second split micro-column.

[0082] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first split micro-column is 50 μm, and the inner diameter of the second split micro-column is 25 μm. When the sample and the sheath liquid meet in the split area 1121, the sample is subjected to preliminary splitting and focusing through the first split micro-column and the second split micro-column, so as to ensure that the sample forms a stable fluid form before entering the sorting channel 113, and further improve the sorting efficiency and precision.

[0083] In some embodiments, the sorting flow channel 113 includes a plurality of parallel sorting sub-channels, and the electrode flow channel 115 forms the side wall electrode 116 on the side wall of each sorting sub-channel. Please refer to Figure 1 As shown, the sorting flow channel 113 includes 10 parallel sorting sub-channels. The side wall of each sorting sub-channel forms a side wall electrode 116, thereby forming a 10-channel array electrode structure, realizing high-throughput parallel processing, significantly improving sample throughput, and meeting the demand for high-throughput analysis.

[0084] In some embodiments, the application of a dielectrophoresis signal to the side wall electrode 116 generates a non-uniform electric field, causing the sample particles to be deflected by dielectrophoresis force when flowing through the sorting flow channel 113, thereby realizing separation and enrichment of different sample particles through the 10 channels. Through the matching design of the microchannel and the liquid metal electrode, combined with the asymmetric electrode arrangement, the present application realizes high-precision sorting of various microorganisms. Finally, the particles after sorting are collected through the outlet flow channel 114.

[0085] The present application also provides a particle sorting intelligent system, which applies the microfluidic chip in the above embodiments. The particle sorting intelligent system provided by the embodiments of the present application will be further described below. Figure 2 As shown, the particle sorting intelligent system 2 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a sensor 21, a micro-control unit 22, a micro-flow pump controller 23, and a signal generator 24. Figure 2 As shown, the particle sorting intelligent system 2 provided by the embodiments of the present application includes a sensor 21, a micro-control unit 22, a micro-flow pump controller 23, and a signal generator 24.

[0086] The sensor 21 is arranged on the microfluidic chip 1 and is used to monitor the microfluidic chip 1 in real time and feed back monitoring data to the micro-control unit 22.

[0087] The micro-control unit 22 is used to generate a control signal based on the monitoring data, so as to control the particle sorting parameter to be adjusted to a target parameter range through the control signal.

[0088] The micro-flow pump controller 23 is used to control the rate of the sample and the sheath liquid flowing into the microfluidic chip 1.

[0089] The signal generator 24 is used to generate an electric field signal to drive the side wall electrode of the microfluidic chip 1, so that the microfluidic chip 1 performs particle sorting on the sample.

[0090] In some embodiments, the structure and principle of the microfluidic chip 1 can refer to the above embodiments, which will not be described here.

[0091] In some embodiments, the sensor 21 includes a flow rate sensor, a particle concentration sensor, and a temperature sensor.

[0092] The flow rate sensor is used to monitor the rate at which the sample and the sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip 1, and feeds back the monitored rate to the microcontroller unit 22 to ensure that the rate is stable and meets the preset target flow rate.

[0093] The particle concentration sensor is used to monitor the particle concentration in the sample and feeds back the monitored concentration to the microcontroller unit 22, providing data support for the intelligent feedback control of the system to improve sorting efficiency.

[0094] The temperature sensor is used to monitor the operating temperature of the microfluidic chip 1 and feed the monitored temperature back to the microcontroller unit 22 to prevent temperature changes from affecting the sorting effect of the microfluidic chip 1 and the performance of the liquid metal.

[0095] Furthermore, in some embodiments, these sensors are installed at specific locations on the microfluidic chip 1 to monitor the operating parameters of the microfluidic chip 1 in real time during particle sorting. For example, a flow rate sensor is installed at the sample inlet and sheath fluid inlet of the microfluidic chip 1 to monitor the rate at which the sample and sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip 1. As another example, a particle concentration sensor and a temperature sensor are installed at the sorting channel of the microfluidic chip 1 to monitor the sample particle concentration and chip operating temperature in real time to ensure sorting efficiency.

[0096] Furthermore, the microcontroller unit 22 receives real-time monitoring data from the sensor 21, processes and analyzes the data, and determines whether the current separation process meets the expected target. When it does not meet the expected target, the microcontroller unit 22 generates a control signal based on the monitoring data to adjust the particle sorting parameters to the target parameter range, thereby ensuring that the current particle sorting process meets the expected target.

[0097] In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 22 generates a rate control signal based on the monitoring rate, and controls the microfluidic pump controller 23 to adjust the rate at which the sample and the sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip 1, so that the rate is adjusted to the target rate range, thereby ensuring stable sample injection and separation conditions.

[0098] In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 22 generates an electric field control signal based on the monitored concentration, and controls the amplitude and frequency of the electric field signal generated by the signal generator 24 through the electric field control signal, so that the amplitude and frequency of the electric field signal are adjusted to the target amplitude range and the target frequency range respectively, thereby optimizing the effect of the dielectric force generated by the sidewall electrode of the sorting channel sidewall in the microfluidic chip 1.

[0099] In some embodiments, the microcontroller unit 22 generates a temperature control signal based on the monitored temperature, and controls an external temperature regulation device through the temperature control signal to adjust the operating temperature of the microfluidic chip 1 to the target temperature range.

[0100] In some other embodiments, please refer to Figure 3 As shown, the particle sorting intelligent system 2 also includes a power amplifier 25; the power amplifier 25 is used to amplify the electric field signal.

[0101] Please continue reading. Figure 3 As shown, the particle sorting intelligent system 2 also includes a user interface 26; the user interface 26 is used to receive the target parameter range input by the user and feed it back to the microcontroller system 22, so that the microcontroller unit 22 controls the particle sorting parameters to be adjusted to the target parameter range; and the user interface 26 is used to display the particle sorting parameters in real time.

[0102] In the above embodiments, the target parameter range includes the target rate range, target amplitude range, target frequency range, and target temperature range. Furthermore, the user can input a specific particle sorting time period to control the microfluidic chip 1 to operate during the particle sorting time period and remain inactive at other times.

[0103] In some embodiments, the workflow for particle sorting using this application is as follows:

[0104] (1) Liquid metal filling and electrode formation: Liquid metal alloy is injected into the electrode channel through the liquid metal inlet. Under the passive control of the capillary valve, the liquid metal flows and fills the electrode channel along a preset path. After the liquid metal fills to the predetermined position, it is naturally cooled to room temperature and solidified to form the sidewall electrode 4, thereby forming a 10-channel array electrode structure.

[0105] (2) Preparation stage: The sample solution to be separated is injected into the microfluidic chip through the sample inlet. The sheath fluid continuously flows into the microfluidic chip through the sheath fluid inlet.

[0106] (3) Sorting stage: The sample solution and sheath fluid meet in the splitting zone of the microfluidic chip. The splitting zone contains 50μm and 25μm micropillars for preliminary splitting and focusing of the sample, ensuring that the sample forms a stable fluid morphology before entering the sorting channel. Then, a DEP signal (dielectric electrophoresis signal) is applied to the sidewall electrodes of the sorting channel of the microfluidic chip to generate a non-uniform electric field, causing the sample particles to be deflected by the DEP force when flowing through the sorting channel. Different particles are separated and enriched by passing through 10 channels in sequence.

[0107] (4) Intelligent control and feedback: The sensor monitors parameters such as the inflow rate, particle concentration, and temperature of the sample and sheath fluid in the microfluidic chip in real time and feeds the data back to the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit automatically adjusts particle sorting parameters such as electric field amplitude, frequency, and flow rate according to the preset sorting target to ensure that the particle sorting meets the preset target.

[0108] (5) Collection stage: After sorting, the particles flow out of the microfluidic chip and are collected.

[0109] In the embodiments provided in this application, it should be understood that the disclosed systems, apparatuses, or methods can be implemented in other ways. For example, the apparatus embodiments described above are merely illustrative. For instance, the division of modules / units is only a logical functional division, and in actual implementation, there may be other division methods. For example, multiple modules or units may be combined or integrated into another system, or some features may be ignored or not executed. Furthermore, the coupling or direct coupling or communication connection shown or discussed may be through some interfaces; the indirect coupling or communication connection of apparatuses or modules or units may be electrical, mechanical, or other forms.

[0110] The modules / units described as separate components may or may not be physically separate. The components shown as modules / units may or may not be physical modules; that is, they may be located in one place or distributed across multiple network units. Some or all of the modules / units can be selected to achieve the objectives of the embodiments of this application, depending on actual needs. For example, the functional modules / units in the various embodiments of this application may be integrated into one processing module, or each module / unit may exist physically separately, or two or more modules / units may be integrated into one module / unit.

[0111] Those skilled in the art will further recognize that the units and algorithm steps of the various examples described in conjunction with the embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented in electronic hardware, computer software, or a combination of both. To clearly illustrate the interchangeability of hardware and software, the components and steps of the various examples have been generally described in terms of functionality in the foregoing description. Whether these functions are implemented in hardware or software depends on the specific application and design constraints of the technical solution. Those skilled in the art can use different methods to implement the described functions for each specific application, but such implementation should not be considered beyond the scope of this application.

[0112] The functions of the intelligent particle sorting system provided in this application embodiment can be implemented using intelligent particle sorting equipment. For details regarding the hardware structure of intelligent particle sorting equipment, please refer to [link to relevant documentation]. Figure 4The diagram shown illustrates an optional hardware structure of a particle sorting intelligent device 700 provided in this application embodiment. The particle sorting intelligent device 700 includes: one or more processors 701, one or more memories 702, a network interface 704, one or more sensors 705, a user interface 706, a microfluidic pump controller 707, and a signal generator 708. Furthermore, the various components in the particle sorting intelligent device 700 are coupled together via a bus system. It is understood that the bus system is used to realize communication between these components. In addition to a data bus, the bus system also includes a power bus, a control bus, and a status signal bus. The user interface 706 may include a display or a touchscreen, etc.

[0113] It is understood that memory 702 can be volatile memory or non-volatile memory, or both. This application does not specifically limit this. In the embodiments of this application, memory 702 is used to store various types of data to support the operation of the particle sorting intelligent device 700. Examples of this data include: any executable program for operating on the particle sorting intelligent device 700, such as operating system 7021 and application program 7022; operating system 7021 includes various system programs, such as framework layer, core library layer, driver layer, etc., used to implement various basic services and handle hardware-based tasks. Application program 7022 can include various applications, such as a browser. The functionality of the particle sorting intelligent system provided in the embodiments of this application can be included in application program 7022.

[0114] The functions of the particle sorting intelligent device disclosed in the above embodiments of this application can be implemented by the processor 701. The processor 701 may be an integrated circuit chip with signal processing capabilities. In implementation, the functions of the particle sorting intelligent device can be achieved through integrated logic circuits in the hardware or software instructions within the processor 701. The processor 701 described above can be a general-purpose processor, a digital signal processor (DSP), or other programmable logic devices, discrete gate or transistor logic devices, discrete hardware components, etc. The processor 701 can implement or execute the functions of the particle sorting intelligent device disclosed in the embodiments of this application. The general-purpose processor 701 can be a microprocessor or any conventional processor, etc.

[0115] In an exemplary embodiment, the particle sorting smart device 700 may be used by one or more application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs), DSPs, programmable logic devices (PLDs), or complex programmable logic devices (CPLDs) to perform the aforementioned optical proximity effect correction method.

[0116] In summary, the microfluidic chip provided in this application enables high-throughput parallel processing, significantly improving sample throughput and meeting the needs of high-throughput analysis. Secondly, through the matching design of microchannels and liquid metal electrodes, combined with asymmetric electrode settings, this application achieves high-precision separation of various microorganisms. Thirdly, by utilizing the passive control capability of capillary valves, this application enables simple and rapid filling and self-assembly of liquid metal electrodes, simplifying electrode preparation. Finally, the microfluidic chip provided in this application establishes flow channels with different micropillars, enabling preliminary sample splitting and focusing, further improving separation efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the particle sorting intelligent system provided in this application integrates an intelligent control and feedback system, enabling real-time monitoring and automatic adjustment of the separation process, improving separation efficiency and stability, and achieving intelligent sorting control. It also features a user-friendly graphical user interface (GUI) that supports remote monitoring, facilitating operation and management, and demonstrating user-friendliness.

[0117] The descriptions of the processes or structures corresponding to the above figures each have their own emphasis. For parts of a process or structure that are not described in detail, please refer to the relevant descriptions of other processes or structures.

[0118] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the principles and effects of this application and are not intended to limit this application. Any person skilled in the art can modify or alter the above embodiments without departing from the spirit and scope of this application. Therefore, all equivalent modifications or alterations made by those skilled in the art without departing from the spirit and technical concept disclosed in this application should still be covered by the claims of this application.

Claims

1. A microfluidic chip, characterized in that, This includes a channel layer and a base layer arranged from top to bottom; The channel layer includes an inlet channel, a branch channel, a sorting channel, an outlet channel, and an electrode channel; One end of the inlet channel is connected to the sample inlet and the sheath fluid inlet, and the other end is connected to the diversion channel; after the sample and sheath fluid flow through the inlet channel into the diversion channel, they flow through the sorting channel for sample particle sorting, and the sorted sample particles flow out through the outlet channel. The electrode channel forms a sidewall electrode on the sidewall of the sorting channel. The sidewall electrode causes the sample to be deflected by dielectric force when it flows through the sorting channel, thereby performing sample particle sorting.

2. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, One end of the electrode channel is connected to the liquid metal inlet, and the other end is connected to the liquid metal outlet. A capillary valve is provided inside the electrode channel. Liquid metal flows into the electrode channel from the liquid metal inlet and flows along a preset path in the electrode channel under the control of the capillary valve, filling the sidewall of the sorting channel to form the sidewall electrode.

3. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The flow channel is provided with a flow division zone, and the flow division zone is provided with a first flow division microcolumn and a second flow division microcolumn. The inner diameters of the first flow division microcolumn and the second flow division microcolumn are different, and the sample is initially divided through the first flow division microcolumn and the second flow division microcolumn.

4. The microfluidic chip according to claim 1, characterized in that, The sorting channel includes several parallel sorting sub-channels, and the electrode channel forms the sidewall electrode on the sidewall of each sorting sub-channel.

5. A particle sorting intelligent system, characterized in that, The system is applied to the microfluidic chip as described in any one of claims 1 to 4, and the system includes a sensor, a microcontroller unit, a micropump controller, and a signal generator; The sensor is mounted on the microfluidic chip and is used to monitor the microfluidic chip in real time and feed the monitoring data back to the microcontroller unit. The microcontroller unit is used to generate a control signal based on the monitoring data, so as to control the particle sorting parameters to be adjusted to the target parameter range through the control signal; The microfluidic pump controller is used to control the rate at which the sample and sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip; The signal generator is used to generate an electric field signal to drive the sidewall electrodes of the microfluidic chip, enabling the microfluidic chip to perform particle sorting on the sample.

6. The intelligent particle sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The sensors include a flow rate sensor, a particle concentration sensor, and a temperature sensor; The flow rate sensor is used to monitor the rate at which the sample and the sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip, and feeds back the monitored rate to the microcontroller unit; The particle concentration sensor is used to monitor the particle concentration in the sample and feed the monitored concentration back to the microcontroller unit. The temperature sensor is used to monitor the operating temperature of the microfluidic chip and feed the monitored temperature back to the microcontroller unit.

7. The intelligent particle sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The microcontroller generates a rate control signal based on the monitoring rate, and controls the microfluidic pump controller to adjust the rate at which the sample and the sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip, so that the rate is adjusted to a target rate range. The microcontroller generates an electric field control signal based on the monitored concentration, and controls the amplitude and frequency of the electric field signal generated by the signal generator through the electric field control signal, so that the amplitude and frequency of the electric field signal are adjusted to the target amplitude range and the target frequency range respectively. The microcontroller unit generates a temperature control signal based on the monitored temperature, and controls an external temperature regulation device through the temperature control signal to adjust the operating temperature of the microfluidic chip to the target temperature range.

8. The intelligent particle sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The system also includes a power amplifier; the power amplifier is used to amplify the electric field signal.

9. The intelligent particle sorting system according to claim 5, characterized in that, The system also includes a user interface; the user interface is used to receive the target parameter range input by the user and feed it back to the microcontroller system, so that the microcontroller unit controls the particle sorting parameters to adjust to the target parameter range; and The user interface is used to display the particle sorting parameters in real time.

10. A particle sorting intelligent device, characterized in that, include: One or more sensors are configured to monitor the microfluidic chip in real time; A microfluidic pump controller is configured to control the rate at which the sample and sheath fluid flow into the microfluidic chip; A signal generator is configured to generate an electric field signal to drive the sidewall electrodes of the microfluidic chip; One or more processors; and One or more memories, wherein computer-readable code is stored in the memories, which, when executed by the one or more processors, implements the functionality of the particle sorting intelligent system as described in any one of claims 5 to 9.

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